The sun is shining here at the Annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair. The craftspeople are making final preparations and the gates will be open soon. The spirit of the maker is in full display here at the Fair, and was celebrated during the Preview Party. The Preview Party is the official kick-off to the Fair, providing League supporters and friends a sneak peek of the fine craft on display (and available for purchase) in Living With Craft, CraftWear, the Sculpture Garden, and The Shop at the Fair. As always, the craft exhibitions are amazing. The highlight of the Preview Party is the awards presentation with over craftspeople recognized for their skills and artistry. Here is a recap of the award winners (and the generous folks who sponsored the awards):
Living with Craft Awards
Best in Show (Sponsored by Corzilius, Matuszewski and Krause Architects): Donald Briere – Large, Segmented Floor Vase
Best in Traditional Design (Sponsored by Merrimack County Savings Bank): Eric Taylor, “Burgundy Arch” Basket
Best in Wood (Sponsored by Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers): Terry Moore, Console Table
E.L. Grodin Best Collaborative (Sponsored by Edith L. Grodin): Victoria Elbroch and Maureen Mills, Landscape Series Vase
Joe Tucker Metal Award (Sponsored by Nora and Norman Stevens): Paulette Werger, Dandelion Serving Set
Best in Two-Dimensional Design (Sponsored by Loring Stevens): Deborah Falls, Bee Balm

- Hans Schepker, Lampscape 1, “Up Cubes”
Stevens Glass Award (Sponsored by Nora and Norman Stevens): Hans Schepker, Lampscape 1, “Up Cubes”
Best in Ceramics – Functional (Sponsored by New Hampshire Potters Guild): Andy Hampton, Porcelain Vase
Best in Ceramics -Decorative (Sponsored by New Hampshire Potters Guild): Boyan Moskov, Disk Wall Hanging
Best in Weaving Award (Sponsored by New Hampshire Weavers Guild): Erica Pfister, Krokbragd Rug
Best in Fiber Award (Sponsored by Jim and Sue King – Skyeview Alpacas): Mary Jane Peabody, “Seed Pods” Proddy Rug
Gorst Print Award (Sponsored by Anonymous): Catherine Green,“Sylvan Dancer”
Best in Baskets Award (Sponsored by Polly Allen): Eric Taylor, Burgundy Arch basket
Sculpture Garden Awards
Best in Show (Sponsored by Vahan and Anne Sarkisian): Nathan Macomber, Untitled
CraftWear Awards
Best in Show (Sponsored by Schiffman, Paul & Dattilio, PC): Paulette Werger, Drawing#2/Autumn Vine
Best in Jewelry (Sponsored by Wild Orchard Guest Farm at Cordwainer Shop): Nancy Nobis, The Power of One
Best in Metal Jewelry (Sponsored by Eleanor “Tin” Bacon): Paulette Werger, Bubble Neckpiece

- Falling Leaves by Sandra McCaw
Best in Jewelry with Stone (Sponsored by Mark Knipe Goldsmiths): Sandra McCaw, Falling Leaves Earrings
Best in Clothing (Sponsored by the League of NH Craftsmen Retail Galleries): Marcia Hammond, A New Fold (skirt and top set)
Creative Sewing Award (Sponsored by Martin’s House of Cloth): Camille B. Gibson, Soft Sculpture Goldfish
Best in Fine Sewing (Sponsored by Portsmouth Fabrics): Beth Lux, Vylah
Art for All Award (Sponsored by Governor’s Commission on Disability): Janett Gilman, Sassy Salamanders on Parade
Best in Mixed Media – Jewelry (Sponsored by Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co.): Kathleen Dustin, Summer Neckpiece
Best in Accessories (Sponsored by Wild Orchard Guest Farm at Cordwainer Shop): Nancy Horrall, Flowering Shawl
Dorr Mill Award (Sponsored by Dorr Mill Store): Marcia Hammond, The Black and White of It
Best Use of Color in Weaving (Sponsored by The Fiber Studio): Patricia Palson, Circle of Love
Weaving with Wool Award (Sponsored by Harrisville Designs): Patricia Palson, Greenpiece
The Elegant Ewe Best in Knitting (Sponsored by The Elegant Ewe): Debra Bury, Lumiere de Nuit
N.H. Institute of Art Award (Sponsored by The N.H. Institute of Art): Thomas McGurrin, Bamboo Pendant
Congratulations to all of the winners and everyone who piece is on display at the Fair!